Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent Hair Color

• Permanent hair dye vs demi-permanent hair color
• A permanent hair dye is also called permanent hair color. It’s a semi-permanent color that lasts up to 16 shampoos, but will fade over time. Demi-permanent dyes last until your next shampoo and are often used to tone gray hairs or cover the grays in between salon appointments.

Answer these questions to find out which of these two types is best for you:

When choosing between permanent and demi-permanent hair color, first ask yourself:

• Do you want to change your overall color? If so, then a permanent dye may be the best choice for you. Permanent dyes will give you a drastic change in tone and can be used to make brunettes look like blondes or darker shades of red. These dances are often referred to as “bleaches” because they lighten the natural pigments in your hair by breaking down keratin molecules.
• Are there areas of my scalp that have grown out already? If so, then demi-permanent dye may be better suited for me because it’s less harsh on my scalp than permanent options—and it won’t result in as much breakage when used near the roots.

Want to cover all your grays?

If you want to cover all your grays, you’ll need a permanent hair color. Hair dyes that are labeled “permanent” are the only ones that will actually last and won’t fade out over time, but they can also be more damaging to your hair than other types of dye.

To help you decide what type of dye is best for you, here’s a breakdown:

Want a dramatically different look?

To get a dramatically different look, choose a permanent hair dye that’s designed for your specific hair color. A stronger dye formula will penetrate the hair shaft to deposit more color and make it more obvious. If you want to achieve dark shades with a demi-permanent color, you’ll need to bleach your hair first.

Want something that lasts and lasts?

If you’re looking for something that lasts and lasts, permanent color is the way to go. While demi-permanent colors wash out gradually over time, a true permanent color will last for years until your hair grows out. If you have thinning hair or are going gray, this might be the type of dye for you.

If you want something that starts off as permanent but washes out gradually over time like a demi-permanent dye does, use semi-permanent color instead!

What’s your hair type?

It’s important to note that some permanent hair colors can damage your hair and make it more brittle. If you have fine, fragile, or damaged hair, a demi-permanent color might be better for you. The less harsh chemicals in these types of dyes mean they won’t damage as much of the strands and leave them looking healthier than a permanent dye would!

If you’re not sure which one is best for your locks, consult with a stylist before making any decisions! They’ll be able to help figure out what kind of color will work best for the condition of your strands and give them a boost without causing too much damage along the way.

How much hair do you need to color?

How much hair you need to color depends on a few factors. If you have a lot of hair, it will take longer to dye it. The same goes if your hair is long or thick. And if you have gray hairs that need to be covered up, they’ll take longer as well since they’re harder to cover than new growth.

However long it takes to color your head of hair depends on how many applications are necessary—and this, in turn, depends on what type of gray coverage product and shade choice you choose (if any). The more applications needed for proper coverage, the longer the process will take overall—so keep that in mind when choosing the right product for your needs!

Are you coloring at home?

Do you want to color your hair at home? That’s great! There are many pros and cons to doing it yourself, but if you’re looking for the full spectrum of options, you’ll need to do a patch test. It’s also important that you follow the instructions on your box and wear gloves while coloring. If possible, have all your supplies ready ahead of time so that nothing gets missed in the rush right before getting started.

If there’s one thing I learned from my first experience with DIY dyeing, it’s that having plenty of towels around is crucial—you don’t want any stains on anything!

Permanent color covers all gray, and can dramatically change your natural hair color.It lasts between 6–8 weeks before it needs to be touched up. It also has the potential to be damaging because of its high level of ammonia. Demi-permanent color coats the hair and doesn’t penetrate the cuticle as deeply as permanent color does, making it less damaging. Demi-permanent color is great for blending gray with your natural color in a seamless way, and for adding subtle highlights to enhance dimension. This type of color rinses out gradually over 24 shampoos, so it isn’t ideal if you want a lot of gray coverage or very dark hair.

Permanent color covers all gray, and can dramatically change your natural hair color. It lasts between 6–8 weeks before it needs to be touched up. It also has the potential to be damaging because of its high level of ammonia.

Demi-permanent color coats the hair and doesn’t penetrate the cuticle as deeply as permanent color does, making it less damaging. Demi-permanent color is great for blending gray with your natural color in a seamless way, and for adding subtle highlights to enhance dimension. This type of color rinses out gradually over 24 shampoos, so it isn’t ideal if you want a lot of gray coverage or very dark hair